Brief: Ensure pet safety this July 4

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control sees a rise in the number of strays, lost pets and injured animals found the day after the Fourth of July.

“We see an increase in strays running on our local freeways, pets found far from home and injured animals,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of the department in a press release.

County officials urge the public to take necessary precautions in ensuring their pets‚Äô safety this upcoming holiday weekend including making sure a pet‚Äôs license is current and tags are secured on a collar, keeping pets indoors with some white noise distraction from the fireworks such as a radio or television, and leaving pets with caretakers who will keep them safe if owners will be out of town.

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter will be closed on the Fourth of July though there will be some animal care centers open across the county if owners wish to report a lost pet or community members wish to turn in a found animal.

Visit animalcare.lacounty.gov to search for the nearest animal care center that will be open on the holiday.